Coastal Structures Mini Project #1

.docx

School

Florida Institute of Technology *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

4525

Subject

Geography

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

4

Uploaded by PrivateFlagSeaUrchin20

Report
Mini Project #1 – OCE 4525 Coastal Structures 8/30/22 What first comes to mind when I hear the words “Coastal Structures” is what I’m familiar with from my local area. Growing up in Southern New Jersey many of my summers were spent in shore towns. After a day spent at the beach where I would see structures such as revetments, sea walls, and beach drains, I would spend my nights on the boardwalk. Here I could observe fishing piers and other recreational structures. On the next page, the initial brainstorming process of what comes to mind while thinking about coastal structures can be seen. This concept map is a combination of what I’ve observed growing up, and what I have picked up thus far during my college career. For instance, some of the “newer” structures that are becoming more popular now include living shorelines and artificial reefs. Based on the first four chapters of the Coastal Engineering Manual (CEM), there are a wide range of parameters a coastal engineer must consider while designing a coastal structure. These include but are not limited to: Type of Sediment Wave & Wind Data Storms/Weather Location (Both Locally & Globally) Other Nearby Structures When attempting to construct any sort of coastal structure, one of the key parameters to consider is the type of sediment in the area. Based on Chapter 3 of the CEM, this was one of the earliest parameters considered by history’s coastal engineers. Before dredging was invented, coastal structures depended on the type of- and motion of sediment in the area. If the location that an engineer was attempting to build a structure was mostly silty, would it be able to uphold the integrity of the structure for an extended period? For instance, would pilings fail if they were installed in an area where they wouldn’t be as secured? Another consideration is the sediment motion of the area. It is easier to dredge material away from the front of a port or harbor in modern times, but these parameters still must be considered. If sediment builds up at the front of a port in just a few months’ time, the constant maintenance may not be worth it to build in that
exact spot. Another parameter to consider would be the wind and wave activity within the area. This is important to understand to determine the depreciation of the structure and might possibly have an impact on the type of material used to build the structure. If a coastal structure is being built in an area that generally has calmer conditions year-round, an engineer may choose a material with a lower strength to save money. Similarly, storms and local weather must be taking into consideration when attempting to construct a coastal structure. If an area frequently experiences hurricanes, it would be wise to use either a stronger material or create a structure that can easily be removed or protected if a storm appears. The global and local location/area relates all these parameters stated thus far. For instance, with storms if you are constructing in a northern area, winter storms may be common. However, if you are attempting to build a structure in a southern area with a warmer climate hurricane may be common. Both areas may have different types of sediment and wave activity based on local conditions. There are countless parameters to consider for each specific area that a coastal structure may be constructed, which is why it is important to obtain as much information and data as possible before designing the structure. Another consideration would be any other coastal structures that may be in the area that a new structure is being developed. If a structure is already changing the coastal processes taking place in that area, installing a new structure may have negative impacts such as sediment build up. If this new structure is necessary to construct, the design may need to change to ensure no negative effects are created. The revised concept map taking the newly learned parameters into consideration can be seen on the second page of this report. Based on the CEM reading, there are countless parameters to consider while attempting to design a coastal structure. Throughout this semester I hope to learn how to take multiple of these factors into account and how they all affect each other. Also, learning about some of the aforementioned "newer" coastal structures such as living shorelines and artificial reefs would be highly interesting if possible. In general learning about all the functions of the numerous coastal structures, and in what situations to use them, will be valued.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help